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Subject:Humor again -Reply From:Lisa Comeau <COMEAUL -at- CSA -dot- CA> Date:Tue, 16 Jun 1998 16:53:52 -0400
>>> Debbie Stewart >>>
The previous two snips:
> IMHO, the cat story is great because nothing happened to a real cat. It
> is memorable and clearly gets the point across.
>>But it offended others. The fact that no real cats were harmed hardly
makes it appropriate. I know people who would have stopped reading a
publication immediately, perhaps even calling the vendor to ask "what
kind of sicko wrote this?" if they were presented with such an example.
Is that the best way to get the point across?<<
>>>>Again, the cat example got a first response giggle from me, too. The visual was funny, but the concept is not. Is there two sides to humor?
There are ABSOLUTELY two sides to humor. Did you ever notice that most jokes people tell involve pain of one sort or another? And whether or not you find them funny, you must admit that many people DO because the jokes have been around for years.
>>>>But the bottom line is, is it appropriate for the context in which it is used??? I do have a problem with *humor* that depicts harming critters, people, or nature; you-know-the-promoting-a-cruel-world type of humor.
In a user manual I would NEVER say anything like this. In a first aid manual I would NEVER make a joke about a life-threatening situation. Nor would I go to a comedy club and stand onstage and discuss the finer points of grammar UNLESS I made it funny...which I could...but I digress.
Humor is different to all people. Just like the definition of a techwriter is different to all people. Just like software preferences are different to all people. So know when you can and can't use humor, and keep in mind that I know MY audience better that YOU know MY audience, so let ME make the decision as to whether something is appropriate.
